Friday, August 25, 2017

My wandering eyes had just caught a Ganesha, sitting regally on a throne of swans beneath the wings of Goddess Saraswati, at the entrance of a Ganesh Murti Kala Kendra or Ganesha Idol Art Workshop, looking adoringly at me. I had to pop the question.

Oh yes, please do – the man replied with a smile – there are many inside as well. Just remove your slippers outside and feel free to roam around as you like. Click to your heart’s content and if you like one, you may even carry it home on your head, he added with a chuckle.

The invitation sounded sweet music to my ears and I couldn’t wait to explore this side of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, one that I had only watched from a distance till now; the call had finally come… and I felt blessed as I removed my slippers and jumped into a world rather different that my own.

A Ganesha sitting at the entrance of the Mumbai Kala Kendra (art workshop) along with Lord Shiva.

Most of the Bappas were wrapped in plastic sheets while a few others were left open. Each Ganesha had a string, a tag attached revealing his identity along with the name of the house where he would be received for Ganesh Sthapana or as a guest for the next couple of days.

Ganesha idol up for sale: Before the first day of the festival.

Like a thirsty kid who had just reached a water fountain, my eyes devoured the different forms of Ganesha, one after the other, trying to behold the beauty of the creation on one hand and the divine moments of ecstasy on the other that led the creator to craft them in such supreme actuality. Here, was a world of Ganeshas, where the artist through his impression had breathed life into simple moulds of plaster and clay so as to bring one of people’s much loved God – Ganesha, literally, from heaven above down to earth below...

So on this auspicious occasion of Ganesh Utsav, I rest my pen, as always, and invite you to come along with My Yatra Diary... on a photographic walk as we join in the carnival of the 11 day annual festival ongoing in India right now, celebrating the birthday of our very own friend, Ganesha in our own unique style! Starting today, here is a tour of this art workshop or Kala Kendra in Borivli, Mumbai where the artist, Shankar Narayan Singh, is very kind (and very very enthusiastic!) to guide and help us appreciate the distinctiveness of all his creations, his labour of love for the past couple of days running into the festival. What are we waiting for? Let's go!

Full of wisdom, wit and charm, he is one God who loves to dabble in the field of writing for sure, just like us! Here, he can be seen writing the longest epic in the world, Mahabharta.

There is something special about His eyes...

This is Antique Ganesha!

He's ummm... well, different!

Undir Balganesha

Baby Ganesha on his army of undirs or mouse!

Tirupati Ganesha

A replica of Lord Balaji or Venkeateshwarafrom the picturesque hills of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh!

Eco friendly Ganeshas,

all seated neatly, in the centre,

in a row, G, H and I!

When the Ganeshas are eco-friendly,

how can the his vehicle, the mouse be far behind?

Gopi Shankh,

Ganesha creating melody in a conch shell!

Swayumbhu Ganesha,

Ganesha that is self manifested like in a cave!

Paanch Maasa Ganesha

Ganesha riding on five fish.

Koli Ganesha

Ganesha dedicated to the fisherman community!

Ashtavinayak Ganesha

Mayureshwar Moregaon situated in Pune district.

Swami Samarth Ganesha

Dedicated to the Akkalkot Swāmi Mahāraj of Akkalkot,an Indian sage of the Dattatreya tradition.

Kitne sundar hai aur kitne saare, poore desh se ek saath ikattha! (These are all so beautiful and so many, from all over the country at one place, together!)I exclaimed to Mr. Shankar Singh as we made our way towards the exit after the 20 minute walk or so. Sabki bhavnaye dikhni chahiye, (Everyone's image of Ganesha should be seen)he replied with a gentle smile. Before leaving, I had one more request for him - Can I click your picture? He humbly obliged, posing next to the same Ganesha that had initially caught my eye at the entrance... his graceful smile starkly similar to the Ganesha.

How to contact Artist Mr. Shankar Narayan Singh?He didn't have a card or a contact number, but he said that he is available all round the year at the famous Ambaji Dham Temple, Factory Lane, Near Gokhale Education Societys High School in Borivli (W), making idols for temples. That is the best way to reach him.If you like reading about Lord Ganesha, these are two of my favourite posts that I'd recommend you check:

Search and ye shall find!

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My Yatra Diary...

Hi there! I am Arti - constantly on the road, both figuratively and literally, unwrapping my unique gift called life. My blog, which focuses on spiritual journeys, is all about my love of exploring and learning; a continuous journey where I strive to seek the truth, discover myself, the world, my place therein and experience the real treasures of life along the way. I hope to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
If you have any queries, do leave a comment, I will be pleased to help!
You can also contact me at - 22arti@gmail.com